Understanding the Technology Behind VPN

VPN (Virtual Private Network) services have been attracting businesses for over a decade, but individual users are still discovering what this technology can offer them. This is because web users do not understand the technology behind VPN providers. In an effort to help our readers learn more about this technology, our experts want to discuss more about how VPNs work and what the technology entails.

How VPN Technology Works

Imagine using a different connection to get into the worldwide web. Instead of using an ISP through the country you are located, you have a private connection that only you can use. This is done by using two networks that gets encapsulated with encryption software, called protocols. One network is your LAN and the other is the VPN’s tunnel around that LAN. That tunnel is what gets encapsulated.

Along with encryption, the VPNs have routing and authentication to increase the function and security of that second connection, or tunnel. You still go online through the LAN, but you bypass this connection through the tunnel provided by the VPN service. Since this is an independent tunnel and private, the VPN can encrypt any information that travels through this tunnel.

Think of it this way. You connect to a VPN server, then it connects to another VPN server within its network and finally back onto the Internet.

VPN Protocols

The protocols used by VPNs are exactly like the ones used by secure networks found at banks or even credit card companies. VPNs use different protocols and offer different ones that you can choose from, such as SSTP, L2TP, OpenVPN, SSL or the basic protocol, PPTP. All have their advantages, but some are more secure than others. For example, many governments limit access to the web by setting up firewalls. If you use a PPTP connection through your VPN, then you may not be able to bypass that firewall, but SSTP, L2TP, SSL and OpenVPN protocols can bypass that government’s firewall.

Summing Up VPN Technology

Instead of purchasing RAS ports or dedicated lines, which are both very expensive, you can use a VPN at a much lower cost. You can increase the bandwidth required when needed for a lot less, but a lot of the top VPNs provided unlimited bandwidth from multiple computers for one price. You have the ability to change your IP from you local LAN to one that is even in a different country, as long as the VPN has equipment stationed in that country that is part of its network of servers.

For example, you can connect to a VPN in China, but make websites, governments, hackers or tracking software believe you are going online in the United States. No one will ever be able to trace you back to your actual Internet access point. By doing this, you can get more freedom when online, access geographically restricted websites or surf with complete anonymity. In a sense, you become completely invisible.

Even though companies use VPNs to secure their business communications, individuals can use a VPN to maintain their privacy, get access to sites that are not available in their country, get through government censorship and never worry about downloading a virus or getting hacked. Our group of expert analysts have compiled a list of the top 10 best VPN services that you can look at below, instead of spending all your time trying to find one that has everything you want.